Expandable and collapsible lid system and method

ABSTRACT

An expandable and collapsible lid; the expandable and collapsible lid includes a lid that has an expanded state and a collapsed state, as manipulated. The lid includes a flange having circumscribing lip that is configured for fluid-proof communication with an opening. The lid includes a plurality of concentric segments each flexibly coupled together, inner-diameter to outer-diameter, with each subsequent segment. The expandable and collapsible lid system further includes a container. The container includes the opening that when closed defines a volume of the container. The expandable and collapsible lid system is useful for modifying the volume of a container for storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/660,672 filed Apr. 20, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of storage containers of existing art and more specifically relates to modifiable volume storage containers.

RELATED ART

Presently the need for storage containers of all sizes has substantially surpassed any such requirement in recorded history. Storage containers for individual food items are commonly utilized in both residential and commercial settings. Options for storage containers are immediately limited to disposable flaccid bags, and reusable fixed volume containers. While disposable bags serve some purposes, they are less than ideal for most uses involving storage of leftover meals. Generally, bags are more suited to store items that are not liquid, and do not need to retain a shape. Plastic containers having a fixed volume are typically used for storage purposes. Many varieties of plastic containers have been developed, yet all have the similar rigid structure comprising a container and accompanying lid. A wide variety of shapes and sizes are provided, each with a lid to match. Unfortunately, given the disparate designs of containers, locating matching lids is a frequent issue. A suitable solution is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,941 to Edward S. Robbins III relates to a reusable and re-collapsible container and associated cap. The described reusable and re-collapsible container and associated cap is a reusable collapsible container having a bottom wall and a relatively flexible, peripheral side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the side wall movable between axially extended and collapsed positions. The side wall includes lower and upper relatively thicker portions and an intermediate relatively thinner portion, and the upper portion joins with an annular rim adapted to receive a removable cap. The intermediate side wall portion is tapered radially inwardly and downwardly, and the lower side wall portion is tapered radially outwardly and downwardly substantially to the bottom wall, such that in a collapsed position, the lower side wall portion is partially telescoped within the upper side wall portion, with the intermediate portion reverse folded therebetween.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known modifiable volume container art, the present disclosure provides a novel expandable and collapsible lid and method. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an efficient and effective expandable and collapsible lid for use.

An expandable and collapsible lid system is disclosed herein. The expandable and collapsible lid includes a lid that has capability to migrate between an expanded state and a collapsed state. The lid includes a flange having a circumscribing lip that is configured for fluid-proof communication with an opening. The lid includes a plurality of concentric segments each flexibly coupled together, inner-diameter to outer-diameter, with each subsequent segment. The expandable and collapsible lid system further includes a container. The container includes the opening that when closed defines a volume of the container.

According to another embodiment, a method of using an expandable and collapsible lid system is also disclosed herein. The method includes a first step of providing an expandable and collapsible lid system as described above; attaching a lid to a first container; opening an aperture of the lid; expanding the lid inwardly to the container; and closing the aperture of the lid thereby sealing the volume. The method further includes an optional step of nesting a second container within the first container.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, an expandable and collapsible lid system and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the expandable and collapsible lid during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the expandable and collapsible lid of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is an expanded state view of the expandable and collapsible lid system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a collapsed state view of the expandable and collapsible lid system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the expandable and collapsible lid of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using an expandable and collapsible lid according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to modifiable volume containers and more particularly to an expandable and collapsible lid and method as used to improve storage capabilities.

Generally, the expandable and collapsible lid system is a stackable set of containers. The system provides an extremely portable means of keeping lidded containers organized. The primary function of the expandable and collapsible lid system is the ability to store large volume containers with the lids attached. This functionality allows for volumes of containers to be recessed by a modifiable lid, allowing for stacking of similar sized containers in small spaces. Unlike any existing lidded container art, the expandable and collapsible lid system allows a user to keep lids on containers while nesting the containers for storage. The expandable and collapsible lid system also allows a user to extend the volume of a container by expanding the lid when desired.

The design of the expandable and collapsible lid system allows for a user to employ the functionality for a multitude of uses. In one embodiment the expandable and collapsible lid system is used with conventionally sized containers that are used to store food. Further embodiments include trash receptacles, storage totes, and commercial packaging. While the function of the presented system is clear, the employment of such a system to modify volumes of closed containers is subject to necessity.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of an expandable and collapsible lid 100.

FIG. 1 shows an expandable and collapsible lid system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may be beneficial for modification of storage volume of a container 120. As illustrated, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may include a lid 110. The lid 110 has an expanded state 112 and a collapsed state 114. The lid 110 includes a flange 116 that has a circumscribing lip that is configured for fluid-proof communication with an opening. The lid 110 includes a plurality of concentric segments 118 each flexibly coupled together, inner-diameter to outer-diameter, with each subsequent segment. A container 120 that includes the opening that when closed defines a volume of the container 120.

According to one embodiment, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may be arranged as a kit 105. In particular, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may further include a set of instructions 107. The instructions 107 may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 such that the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner.

FIG. 2 shows the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may include a lid 110. The lid 110 has an expanded state 112 and a collapsed state 114 manipulated by (a user) modifying the position of concentric segments 118 relative to each other. The lid 110 includes a flange 116 that has a circumscribing lip that is configured for fluid-proof communication with an opening of a container 120. Tabs 140 in addition to the flange 116 may be included for creating the fluid-proof seal with the container 120. The tabs 140 may be attached to the flange 116 on the outer edge of the lid 110. The tabs 140 may provide an additional method of sealing the lid 110 to the container 120. Various embodiments of the tabs 140 may include any suitable means to secure the lid 110 to the container 120. Noted embodiments of the interaction between the tabs 140 and the container 120 may include, traction, vacuum, and pressure. Embodiments of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 that include tabs 140 may have further conceived means of connection as future conceived features are developed.

The lid 110 may further include an aperture 130 that allows the passage of fluids, such as gases, therethrough. The aperture 130 may be sealable, creating a fluid-proof barrier that impedes the passage of solid matter, vapors, liquids, and gasses. The aperture 130 may be useful for adjusting the volume defined by the lid 110 and the container 120 when the lid 110 is in an expanded 112, and alternatively, a collapsed state 114. In operation, the lid 110 is attached to a container 120, the aperture 130 is opened, the lid 110 is modified to an expanded 112 or a collapsed state 114, and the aperture 130 is then closed. The aperture 130 allows for a pressure to equalize when modifying the volume defined by the lid 110 and the container 120. The aperture 130 further may act as a heat and pressure release. The expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system may be resistant to heat. The material and design of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system is configured to endure microwave radiation. Further, the lid 110, and accompanying container 120, may be resistant to cold temperatures. These disparate temperature conditions may be accommodated by the unique composition and method of manufacture. In a standard embodiment, the lid 110 may comprise materials including silicon, plastic, rubber, and compositions thereof. Further conceived compositions are considered of materials suitable for providing an expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system as described.

FIG. 3A is an expanded state 112 view of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown here is an embodiment of the expanded state 112 of the lid 110. The lid 110 is expanded outwardly from the container 120, thereby increasing the volume defined by the container 120 and the lid 110. In this embodiment, concentric segments 118 are displaced relative to each other, increasing in distance from the container 120 sequentially as the segments decrease in size. In some embodiments, the means of connection between the segments may be through a flexible material. However, as per usage, necessity, or preference, the plurality of concentric segments 118 may be foldably coupled together. As shown, while in an expanded state 112, the flange 116 makes a fluid-proof connection with the container 120.

FIG. 3B is a collapsed state 114 view of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the lid 110 is collapsed inwardly towards the container 120. While in a collapsed state 114, the lid 110 is attached to the container 120 whilst allowing the container 120 to retain a basin shape for storage of other items therein. Shown in FIG. 4, the collapsed configuration of the lid 110 and container 120 may be useful for stacking multiple instances of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100.

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As previous noted, one immediate innovation of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system is the storage through nestability. Here shown is a view of the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system in a nested configuration. Illustrated are three instances of a container 120 of various sizes, each having a coupled lid 110 in a collapsed state 114. The concentric segments 118 of the lid 110 in a collapsed state 114 are shown as stepped recessions. Each lid 110 is connected to a container 120 while in a collapsed state 114, defining for a substantially small volume.

While the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system is illustrated in the present document as being substantially circular in shape, alternative sizes and shapes of the lid(s) 110 may be considered. Shape and size may be defined and manifested through necessity, availability, and function. In the presented embodiments the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system may be substantially circular. However, in other embodiments the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system may be substantially square. Function and usage may also dictate the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system. For instance, the expandable and collapsible lid system 100 system may be employed as a waste receptacle.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for using 500 an expandable and collapsible lid system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method for using 500 an expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may include one or more components or features of the expandable and collapsible lid 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method for using 500 an expandable and collapsible lid system 100 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing an expandable and collapsible lid system comprising a lid; the lid having an expanded state and a collapsed state, the lid includes a flange having circumscribing lip that is configured for fluid-proof communication with an opening, the lid includes a plurality of concentric segments each flexibly coupled together, inner-diameter to outer-diameter, with each subsequent ring, and, a container, the container including the opening that when closed defines a volume of the container; step two 502, attaching a lid to a first container; step three 503, opening an aperture of the lid; step four 504, expanding the lid inwardly to the container; step five 505, closing the aperture; step six 506, nesting a second container with the first container.

It should be noted that step 506 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for using an expandable and collapsible lid system, are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. An expandable and collapsible lid system comprising: a lid, said lid having an expanded state and a collapsed state, said lid includes a flange having circumscribing lip that is configured for fluid-proof communication with an opening, said lid includes a plurality of concentric segments each flexibly coupled together, inner-diameter to outer-diameter, with each subsequent segment; and a container, said container including said opening that when closed defines a volume of said container.
 2. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid comprises silicon.
 3. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid comprises plastic.
 4. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid comprises a combination of plastic and silicon.
 5. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid includes an aperture.
 6. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid is able to endure microwave radiation.
 7. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid is resistant to heat.
 8. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid is resistant to cold.
 9. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid includes tabs configured to secure said lid to said container.
 10. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid is substantially square.
 11. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid is substantially circular.
 12. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said container is a waste receptacle.
 13. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of concentric segments are foldably coupled together.
 14. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said lid is heat and cold resistant.
 15. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said expanded state is outwardly.
 16. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 1, wherein said expanded state is inwardly.
 17. An expandable and collapsible lid system, the expandable and collapsible lid system comprising: a lid, said lid having an expanded state and a collapsed state, said lid includes a flange having circumscribing lip that is configured for fluid-proof communication with an opening, said lid includes a plurality of concentric segments each flexibly coupled together, inner-diameter to outer-diameter, with each subsequent ring, and a container, said container including said opening that when closed defines a volume of said container; wherein said lid comprises silicon; wherein said lid comprises plastic; wherein said lid includes an aperture; wherein said lid is able to endure microwave radiation; wherein said lid is resistant to heat; wherein said lid is resistant to cold; wherein said lid includes tabs configured to secure said lid to said container; wherein said lid is substantially circular; wherein said container is a waste receptacle; wherein said plurality of concentric segments are foldably coupled together; wherein said lid is heat and cold resistant; and wherein said expanded state is outwardly and alternately inwardly.
 18. The expandable and collapsible lid system of claim 17, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the expandable and collapsible lid system is arranged as a kit.
 19. A method of using an expandable and collapsible lid system, the method comprising the steps of: providing an expandable and collapsible lid system; attaching a lid to a first container; opening an aperture on said lid; expanding said lid inwardly to said container; and closing said aperture.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of nesting a second-container within said first container. 